Hi and welcome and i am sorry. I know the bond and love you have had that is irreplaceable. I can really relate as i am on the verge of experiencing a loss of this magnitude. Not just for me but my kids as well who spend alot of time with their old dog. My guy made it to 15 1/2 and he's still responsive and happy but in the last two weeks or so is deteriorating quickly and i know we are nearing the end, just at what point do i make that call if he still happy? Just a rhetorical question. He was diagnosed with liver cancer at 14 and was not expected to make it this far so for that i am grateful. I always tell myself although noone will ever fill his shoes, impossible, they will have to make footprints of their own. I am glad you still have sheltie company, loss is a very difficult thing, human or canine.